Chapter Twenty-Seven
The Masquerade Ball
Though Donovan’s pirate outfit looked like any other, it held secrets. Inside the eyes of the skull and crossbones across the hat were two shiny baubles. But they weren’t glass. They were miniature cameras. If he pressed his fingers against either side of the brim they shot a wide angle photograph.
He had also glued a tiny video camera inside the lining of his decorated vest. The lens peeked out among a myriad of sparkling rhinestones. To turn it on he simply pressed the middle button on his tunic.
As they stepped from the limousine he found it hard to keep his eyes off Phoebe. Dressed in a figure-hugging brilliant gown covered in fairy lights, sporting a sparkling tiara in her hair, and wearing white opera gloves, she looked like a seductive fairy from a sexy fantasy film.
But her glowing gown also held a surprise.
If anyone grabbed her, all she had to do was close her fingers into a fist, and her attacker would be jolted by an electric current.
As they started towards the entrance they spied two attractive women dressed as 19th century courtesans standing at either side of open gates. Each held a tablet and were checking in the guests as they arrived. A short distance away were burly, unsmiling security guards.
“Do you really think we can get in?” Phoebe whispered.
“In a heartbeat,” Donovan replied. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Manny came out here to greet us personally. Just remember, don’t let it slip that you’re a nurse.”
“I won’t, though I can’t imagine he’d associate that awful night with me.”
“Always err on the side of caution, especially when you’re dealing with people like Manny Trubello.”
“Good evening, sir,” the young woman said with a smile as they approached. “May I have your name, please?”
“We won’t be on your list. Please let Manny know Donovan Blake is here.”
“Oh, uh, yes, sir. Bart?” she called, waving to the security guard nearest her.
“Is there a problem?” the man asked, glaring at Donovan as he strode forward.
“No problem. This gentleman has asked me to let Mr. Trubello know he’s here.”
“Name?” the man demanded, his grim expression unchanged.
“Donovan Blake.”
“Stand to the side.”
As the beefy thug turned away Donovan saw him lift a phone from his pocket and make a call. But he was only gone for a moment before he turned back. His frown was gone and he had the suggestion of a smile.
“Welcome to the MCT Estate,” he exclaimed marching towards them. “Mr. Trubello has asked that you wait for him by the castle in the lobby.”
“The castle?”
“Yes, sir. It’s actually a huge cake.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sir, have a good evening.”
“Goodness,” Phoebe muttered as they moved through the gate and down the path to the home. “This is some party. Look at all the lights and decorations.”
“I’m sure you’ve attended plenty of big events.”
“I have, but this is over the top.”
“Guys like Manny love to show off. They want everyone to know how much money they have. It’s a power trip more than anything.”
The double doors leading into the house were open, and as they drew closer they could see the magnificent fortress.
“I can’t believe that’s a cake,” Phoebe exclaimed. “It’s huge, and look at the detail. It’s gorgeous.”
“I wonder how many hours were spent baking and decorating, and how do you even go about constructing something like that?”
“I can’t imagine,” she replied.
“Ah, Donovan Blake! I’m so glad you decided to come by. It’s about time we finally met,” Manny declared, striding up to greet them.
“I agree. With all our mutual acquaintances I’m surprised we haven’t before now,” Donovan remarked, touching the button on his tunic to start the video camera.
“How did you hear about my little shindig?”
“I was having coffee at Pierre’s Cafe and everyone was talking about it. And I do mean everyone.”
“Ah, yes of course, and who is this gorgeous creature you’ve brought along?” Manny asked turning to Phoebe.
“Phoebe Beaumont, as in, Beaumont Engineering,” Donovan added.
“Is that so. This is an honor,” Manny exclaimed. “You come from a remarkable family. I understand your mother has been commissioned to design the new Concord Museum.”
“Yes, she has. She’s very excited about it. And the company will be involved as well.”
“Are you following the family tradition? Are you an engineer or architect?”
“I’m an artist, not an architect,” she replied smoothly. “I’m still floundering though. It’s not easy getting noticed in the art world.”
“With all that talent running through your veins I’m sure you’ll be famous soon enough. So, Donovan, what inspired you to come here tonight?”
“I was hoping you and I could have a conversation about my club.”
“Ah, yes, LASH. Such a clever name for a place like yours.”
“Thank you. People seem to like it.”
“I’m more than happy to have a chat. I’m rather busy at the moment, meeting and greeting. Give me a little while and I’ll find you. We can talk in my office.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Great, make yourselves at home. There’s plenty to eat and drink and lots to see. Lovely to meet you, Phoebe. I hope you enjoy yourself.”
“Thank you, good to meet you as well.”
As he walked briskly away, Donovan turned off the camera and led her in the opposite direction.
“That was very civilized, and he’s so charming,” she remarked. “It’s hard to believe he’s such a bad guy.”
“Believe it,” Donovan grunted as they continued moving through the grand home. “This place is huge.”
“I prefer your hunting lodge.”
“I do too. Let’s go in here,” he suggested, walking into a relatively empty room offering nibbles and drinks. “We can grab something to eat and sit down. I want to go over a couple of things with you.”
“Like what? Didn’t we discuss everything at the hotel.”
“You can never be too prepared,” he replied knowingly.
The buffet offered a collection of rolls, cheeses, exotic flatbreads, and a variety of wines. Deciding to share from one plate, they loaded it up, and each chose a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. As they settled at the table, Donovan took a bite of soft cheese and a drink, then noticed a group of young women all wearing harem costumes wandering into the room.
“They look a bit lost,” Phoebe remarked. “I wonder where their dates are.”
“I suspect they’re working girls.”
“Ooh, you mean escorts?”
“Yep. Manny owns a few strip clubs and has call girls on the payroll, but on to more important things. When he invites me to meet with him and I insist you join us he won’t like it. As far as he’s concerned, women were made for the bedroom and the kitchen. But he’ll accept it because of your family.”
“And I’m with you because we’re joining forces to open a second LASH location in Manhattan, and you’ve told me Manny would like to open up a club there as well.”
“Exactly, but Phoebe, I’ve been thinking about your hand signals. He’s a poker player…high stakes. He might spot them. Rubbing your nose if he’s telling the truth and touching your hair if he’s lying might be too easy to spot.”
“What do you suggest?”
“If he’s telling the truth, do something…anything…with your right leg, hand or arm. If he’s lying, use the left. But make sure everything you do is subtle. And don’t worry, I’ll catch your signals. What the hell…?” he suddenly muttered, staring across to the far side of the room and touching the brim of his hat.
“What?”
“That man dressed like a 1940’s gangster, that’s Franco Giancana, and I bet the suit and fedora he’s wearing belonged to his great-grandfather. Talk about arriving and making a statement.”
“Isn’t he the man you think tried to kill you that night?”
“It sure is. This is going to be a very interesting evening.”